Best Detective games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated detective games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free detective games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Trials of Innocence
Trials of Innocence is an indie courtroom detective game. Step into the shoes of the main character, rookie lawyer Luna Ray, and navigate her journey through the legal world. Unravel a shocking conspiracy that changes the fate of many, including herself, and confront her inner choices.
Pathologic 3: Quarantine
In this free prologue to a narrative-driven adventure, watch a mysterious plague break out in a small town. Learn what drove a celebrated academic to leave his acclaimed lab. Examine patients, uncover strange secrets, and make first steps towards immortality.
The Children of Clay
The Children of Clay is a short stop motion archeology horror game, where you have to study an ancient artefact and discover its dark secret.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center
Join forces with the psychic Director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center and solve a variety of cases involving cursed relics, rental properties with shady histories, and dimensional anomalies. Monstrous oddities and otherworldly planes abound in this occult mystery adventure game!
of the Devil
Immerse yourself in neon, smoke, and high-stakes legal gambles as a Defense Attorney with uniquely Killer insights in this episodic, diabolically stylish visual novel adventure game.
Dodgy Deliveries
Co-op "Horror" game about running a delivery service with your friends! B̵̨̦͓͖̹̪̥̮͛̀̏̈́̐̔̉Ę̴̤̦̤͓̰̤́͗̚ ̵̨̺͓̱̞͔͉͙̀̂͂͋͠͠Ç̸̫͈̋͋͆̋̾̑̕͜Ä̴̛̟͑͛͋͂̌̕͜͝R̵̛͎̮̜̒̽̈́͂̓̒͘Ę̸͉̙̎̀͐͆Ḟ̶̼͖̭͇̗U̸̡̫͇̤̭̪̦̣̔Ḷ̶̛͖̙͗̋̈̇̕ ̷̡̢͕̦̜͚̌̎̃̔Ā̷̧͇͎̳͔̩̜̤̗͊̋Ţ̸̭̩͚̮͖͇̹̬̾ ̷͍̞̰͈̻̣͚̂̾ͅN̵̛̤͒̏̒͝Ḯ̵̡̘͇̖̏͘Ģ̸̛͙̥̞̽̀͒͜H̶̲̜̺̐̄͋͊̍̈́͘͜T̴̯̲̳̪͚̜̼̈͠
The Shell Part III: Paradiso
The coiling chains of obsession that began with The Shell now threaten to strangle Detective Reiji Tokisaka in the third and final entry in the trilogy. As old friends and foes rise up for one last confrontation, can anyone break the cycle—and can Reiji's heart ever be set free?
Cyber Manhunt 2: New World - The Hacking Simulator
Discover a digital realm shrouded in mystery. Sequel to an award-winning narrative driven hacking simulator puzzle game. Play as an AI assistant in a major corporation. Deploy intricate social engineering tactics and expose hidden truths in a world of ambition and high-tech deception.
The Roottrees are Dead
A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation.
Game of Fate 2: A Century's Promise
Transported back a century by fate, you find yourself in a legendary tale of vengeance. Amidst powerful enemies in a tumultuous era, your mission is to assist those around you. Experience this immersive epic from a first-person perspective—authentic, weighty, yet brimming with hope.
Threefold Recital
Threefold Recital is set in an oriental fantasy world where the metropolis of Bluescales faces turmoil after a long golden age. The mix of magic, modern, and ancient technologies challenges governance, while tensions between humans, beastlings, and dragons grow. In the shadows, a crisis looms...
Lightracer: For Judge
In a dystopian future, as The Judge with immense power, you journey through space to find hope in a divided society. This sci-fi adventure explores hope amidst adversity.
Locked In Mind
In Locked in Mind, you are trapped in a virtual escape room full of puzzles. Use your wits to solve them at your own pace without the pressure of a time limit. Perfect for players of all skill levels. Start your adventure today!
Go Home Annie
A twisted psychological thriller and an original story set in the SCP universe. As an employee of the SCP Foundation, test artificially created paranormal events, solve puzzles, interact with anomalies, and uncover the secrets of the Replication Division.
Enigma of Fear
Become Mia, a paranormal detective searching for her missing father inside the Perimeter - a place that doesn't exist. Investigate clues like a real detective and unravel the mysteries behind the Enigma of Fear, defeating the terrible monsters who'll try to stop you.
Follow the meaning
Follow the meaning is a surreal point-and-click puzzle adventure. Join detective Paul Trilby as he works to unravel the mysteries of a peculiar town, seemingly ruled by the local Hospital. Over the wall and behind tightly shut gates, a dark secret lies in wait…
Mercury Abbey
In a mansion surrounded by mist, as the curse made by the Alchemist and Fairy reappears, the danger is quietly lurking in the darkness, awaiting its visitors.Follow Harrod and Willie to unravel an incredible story in Mercury Abbey, and go on an adventure that you would only find in mystery novels.
Loco Motive
On the Reuss Express a passenger has been murdered, and you’re the prime suspects. Uncover a thrilling mystery and solve satisfying point and click puzzles to prove your innocence! A slapstick adventure, packed full of deadly surprises, shocking twists and larger than life characters!
Great God Grove
THE WORLD IS ENDING AND THE GODS ARE SQUABBLING! Suck up and launch dialogue in a world of puzzles, puppets, and weird gods… or THE RIFT WILL CONSUME US ALL!
Trainee Death Simulator
You will play as a Trainee Death, harvesting Souls to pay off your debt. Random choice events offer you various options: Lie in bed and slack off since the debt is endless anyway, Or follow your senior to earn some extra Souls, collecting outfits to switch up your style.
The Rise of the Golden Idol
The Award-winning detective saga returns in this standalone sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol. Uncover the truth behind 20 strange cases of crime, death and depravity in the 1970s. The world has changed dramatically - the sins of humanity have not.
Game of Fate: Chasing Through Time
Immerse yourself in the first-person perspective, cross time and space, solve bizarre cases, save innocent victims, and catch a mysterious killer! You will solve murders, uphold justice, and also gain love. Are you ready? Play the "Game of Fate" that crosses time and space, life and death!
Sniper Killer
Eliminate your victims as a serial killer dubbed ‘The Sniper Killer’. Terrorize the city with your keen eye and thirst for blood while staying one step ahead of a detective hell bent on bringing you to justice.Most played detective games on Steam
Take a look at the top detective games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being. Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a rpg, story rich and choices matter game developed and published by ZA/UM. Released on October 15th 2019 has received 109,796 reviews of which 102,241 were positive and 7,555 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played detective game, thanks to its 2,071 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
102,241
7,555
2,071
players
2. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a detective, visual novel and story rich game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on April 09th 2019 has received 36,608 reviews of which 35,742 were positive and 866 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 1,438 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among detective games based on player count.
9.6
35,742
866
1,438
players
3. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a adventure, visual novel and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on January 24th 2024 has received 3,137 reviews of which 2,844 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. While seeing 516 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among detective games based on player count.
8.7
2,844
293
516
players
4. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries. Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair is a anime, detective and visual novel game developed by Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. and Abstraction Games and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on April 18th 2016 has received 26,311 reviews of which 25,335 were positive and 976 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 463 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
25,335
976
463
players
5. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is a anime, visual novel and mystery game developed by Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. and Abstraction Games and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on February 18th 2016 has received 30,063 reviews of which 28,873 were positive and 1,190 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 349 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played detective games.
9.4
28,873
1,190
349
players
6. Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death. Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is a visual novel, detective and female protagonist game developed and published by Spike Chunsoft Co. and Ltd.. Released on September 25th 2017 has received 19,606 reviews of which 16,456 were positive and 3,150 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 346 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played detective games.
8.2
16,456
3,150
346
players
7. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Immerse yourself in a dramatic yet charming and witty world of evidence-gathering, deduction and courtroom battles with this double-pack of the adventures of rookie lawyer Ryunosuke. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a visual novel, adventure and detective game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on July 26th 2021 has received 7,981 reviews of which 7,521 were positive and 460 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 343 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played detective games.
9.1
7,521
460
343
players
8. Shadows of Doubt
An immersive sandbox detective stealth game set in a fully simulated sci-fi noir city of crime and corruption. Think like a private investigator and take on jobs to earn cash on your path to catching a serial killer. If you don’t catch them - they will kill again… Shadows of Doubt is a detective, immersive sim and sandbox game developed by ColePowered Games and published by Fireshine Games. Released on September 26th 2024 has received 15,074 reviews of which 12,664 were positive and 2,410 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 311 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played detective games.
8.2
12,664
2,410
311
players
9. Murders on the Yangtze River
"Murders on Yangtze River" is an Ace Attorney-like detective game that takes you on a journey through early 20th century China as you solve a series of intriguing cases. Use your logical reasoning and deduction skills to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and solve the mysteries. Murders on the Yangtze River is a detective, adventure and puzzle game developed by OMEGAMES STUDIO and published by OMEGAMES STUDIO and NPC Entertainment. Released on January 30th 2024 has received 17,759 reviews of which 17,285 were positive and 474 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 280 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played detective games.
9.5
17,285
474
280
players
10. The Roottrees are Dead
A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation. The Roottrees are Dead is a puzzle, mystery and detective game developed by Robin Ward and published by Evil Trout. Released on January 15th 2025 has received 2,074 reviews of which 2,027 were positive and 47 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 271 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played detective games.
9.3
2,027
47
271
players
Best deals on detective games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of detective games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted detective games.
1. Song of Farca
Hack into crime scenes, look for evidence, analyze data, interrogate criminals, track suspects and deal with the consequences of your decisions. This is a dark and brutal detective story with a Black Mirror-esque atmosphere of digital dominance and the narrative structure of a US crime procedural. Song of Farca is a choices matter, story rich and simulation game developed by Wooden Monkeys and published by Alawar. Released on July 21st 2021 has received 1,126 reviews of which 928 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for detective category.
7.9
928
198
-94%
18.33€
1.10€
2. The Darkside Detective
Grab your trench coat, tune your sixth sense and join the Darkside Division as they investigate the outright bizarre, the downright dangerous and the confusing cases of Twin Lakes. Flesh-hungry tentacles, mafian zombies, and the occasional missing sock are no match for The Darkside Detective. The Darkside Detective is a point & click, detective and pixel graphics game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. Released on July 27th 2017 has received 4,657 reviews of which 4,402 were positive and 255 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in detective games.
9.1
4,402
255
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
3. The Shapeshifting Detective
The Shapeshifting Detective is a supernatural murder mystery FMV game where you play as a detective who can shapeshift into other characters, allowing you to unlock secret conversations and private encounters. The Shapeshifting Detective is a fmv, adventure and indie game developed by D'Avekki Studios Ltd and Wales Interactive and published by Wales Interactive. Released on November 06th 2018 has received 1,563 reviews of which 1,209 were positive and 354 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in detective games.
7.4
1,209
354
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
4. The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
Delouse your room with sage and pack up your travel-sized ouija board, it’s time to re-enter Twin Lakes - America’s 34th most haunted city. Join Detective McQueen as he puzzles his way through 9 chilling cases, risking life and pixelated limb to solve the macabre mysteries that plague the poor town. The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is a detective, pixel graphics and point & click game developed by Spooky Doorway and published by Akupara Games. Released on April 15th 2021 has received 1,687 reviews of which 1,628 were positive and 59 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for detective games.
9.2
1,628
59
-92%
14.88€
1.19€
5. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter
The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a first-person story-driven mystery. Purchase this game to get both the original and the Unreal Engine 4 remaster called The Vanishing of Ethan Carter Redux. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is a mystery, atmospheric and detective game developed and published by The Astronauts. Released on September 25th 2014 has received 8,817 reviews of which 7,792 were positive and 1,025 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.6
7,792
1,025
-90%
19.20€
1.92€
6. Murdered: Soul Suspect
MURDERED: SOUL SUSPECT™ takes players into a whole new realm of mystery where the case is personal and the clues just out of reach, challenging gamers to solve the hardest case of all… their own murder. Murdered: Soul Suspect is a detective, adventure and mystery game developed by Airtight Games and published by Square Enix. Released on June 05th 2014 has received 16,558 reviews of which 14,195 were positive and 2,363 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for detective games.
8.4
14,195
2,363
-90%
19.30€
1.93€
7. √Letter - Root Letter -
When a letter is delivered 15 years late - you discover an old pen-friend was involved in a murder, before she disappeared. Travelling to her hometown, you must investigate the murder, using her past letters as clues to uncover the disturbing truth. √Letter - Root Letter - is a adventure, visual novel and anime game developed and published by DRAGAMI GAMES and LTD.. Released on July 07th 2017 has received 544 reviews of which 433 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.5
433
111
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
8. Interrogation: You will be deceived
As a detective tasked with bringing down a dangerous terrorist group, you fight on two fronts: interrogating suspects & managing your team and its reputation. With time running out, how far will you go to stop these criminals? Manipulation, threats or even torture? Does the end justify the means? Interrogation: You will be deceived is a detective, noir and crime game developed by Critique Gaming and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on December 05th 2019 has received 339 reviews of which 269 were positive and 70 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.4
269
70
-90%
12.99€
1.29€
9. Crime O'Clock
Crime O'Clock is a hidden objects investigation and time exploration game with a deep storyline. Investigate cases through time and evolving maps by unveiling a multi-eras linked story. Will you be observant enough to solve the mysteries? Crime waits for no man! Crime O'Clock is a investigation, hidden object and 2d game developed by Bad Seed and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on July 21st 2023 has received 395 reviews of which 282 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for detective games.
6.8
282
113
-90%
19.50€
1.95€
10. A Case of Distrust
A Case of Distrust is a narrative mystery from 1924 San Francisco. Play as private investigator Phyllis Cadence Malone in this historical 2D adventure game. A Case of Distrust is a adventure, indie and detective game developed and published by An Open Ben. Released on February 08th 2018 has received 572 reviews of which 468 were positive and 104 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for detective games.
7.7
468
104
-88%
15.50€
1.86€
Free detective games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play detective games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play detective games.
1. Prison Life
An online game that you'll play with 3-11 players as a Prisoner or a Guard and will try to escape or prevent escapes. Loot, Craft, and make your way to the exit, or investigate and arrest wanted players as a guard! Prison Life is a free to play, multiplayer and pvp game developed and published by AO Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 2,801 reviews of which 2,225 were positive and 576 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
2,225
576
31
players
2. The Council
Experience a Narrative Adventure where your choices and character growth truly matter. As a member of a 1793 secret society, live a tale of intrigue and manipulation on the hunt for your missing mother. The Council is a choices matter, adventure and rpg game developed by Big Bad Wolf and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 5,286 reviews of which 4,425 were positive and 861 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.1
4,425
861
26
players
3. The Children of Clay
The Children of Clay is a short stop motion archeology horror game, where you have to study an ancient artefact and discover its dark secret. The Children of Clay is a horror, atmospheric and detective game developed and published by Balazs Ronyai. Released on March 07th 2025 has received 1,189 reviews of which 1,180 were positive and 9 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
9.3
1,180
9
8
players
4. TEST TEST TEST
Escape a time loop as an overworked office employee by solving cryptic puzzles with alternate reality game elements. TEST TEST TEST is a puzzle, 2d and cute game developed by Mojiken and published by Toge Productions. Released on January 17th 2024 has received 854 reviews of which 785 were positive and 69 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.6
785
69
1
players
5. The Monster Inside
A film noir style audio-visual novella. A mysterious woman... a string of murders... and a man with a hidden past. The Monster Inside is a free to play, indie and detective game developed and published by Random Seed Games. Released on August 01st 2017 has received 1,944 reviews of which 1,704 were positive and 240 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.4
1,704
240
6. Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3
The Startling Developments Detective Agency springs into action as On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 begins, set in motion by a call from a mysterious source. The ever escalating perils on the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness will season our tender heroes to their very core! Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 is a jrpg, lovecraftian and detective game developed by Zeboyd Games and published by Penny Arcade and Inc.. Released on June 25th 2012 has received 583 reviews of which 497 were positive and 86 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
497
86
7. The Mildew Children: Chapter 1
Featuring a blend of 2D adventure and visual novel. Chapter 1 is the very beginning of the grim tale about a village inhabited only by children who follow savage pagan traditions. A young witch Kyrphel, along with her sisters, are bound to perform a macabre Ritual in order to save their village. The Mildew Children: Chapter 1 is a adventure, story rich and exploration game developed by The Growing Stones and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on October 17th 2023 has received 316 reviews of which 272 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
8.0
272
44
8. Fayburrow
In a world of fairies, a childhood friend suddenly calls Beatrice back to her old hometown. Yet when she arrives, her friend is mysteriously missing. Fayburrow is a adventure, mystery and visual novel game developed by The Fayburrow Troupe and published by The Animation Workshop VIA. Released on February 03rd 2022 has received 429 reviews of which 353 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free detective games on Steam.
7.7
353
76